There are no other automotive brands that can boast the same longevity as Mercedes-Benz. That’s why the company has a deep well of inspiration to draw from when looking back for design inspiration. That is exactly what the German automaker did with the Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic, looked to the company’s past for inspiration. Interestingly, the design cues hint at the next S-Class that is due in two year’s time.
Inspired by the golden era of automotive design of the 1930s, this show car embodies the pure essence of Mercedes‑Benz. With its seemingly hood giving it a majestic presence, sculptural flowing lines, and a touch of Art Deco, it rises to become a true icon of automotive beauty. The interior with its continuous bench seat and the elegant rear, evoking memories of the legendary 300 SL. Our Vision Iconic is more than just an automobile – it is a sculpture in motion, a homage to timeless elegance, and a statement for the future. The symbiosis of traditional craftsmanship, state-of-the-art technology, and an unmistakable design language makes it the ultimate expression of value, prestige, and grace: the most beautiful, most prestigious kind of thing
– Gorden Wagener, chief design officer Mercedes-Benz Group AG
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Looking Back… and Forward
The Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic is inspired by the Art Deco elegance of the 1930s. A prominent part of its design is the pronounced grille on the facia. This design trait draws inspiration from the upright grilles of models such as the W108, W111 and the Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman. Mercedes designers first rolled it out on the latest GLC SUV, which debuted a few weeks ago. The grille is illuminated as is the three-pointed star that sits atop. This illuminated sections are in stark contrast to the dark paintwork. Well, it’s not really paint. It is a wafer-thin paste with a photovoltaic-active surface. Additional range could be harnessed from the sun when applied to the entire surface of the Iconic Vision. Mercedes estimates say these highly efficient cells can generate about 12 000 km of additional range in a year – pretty handy.
Click here to read about the record-breaking AMG GT XX concept car.
Evolving with the Times
With electrification and continuously updated driver assisted systems, the future automobile will place less emphasis on the driver’s input. As a result the Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic has an interior that offers lounge-like comfort and an entirely new experience of hyper-analogue and digital luxury. The centrepiece is a ‘floating’ glass instrument cluster referred to as a ‘Zeppelin’. Mercedes press materials explains: As the door is opened, the instrument cluster comes to life with a cinematic, entirely analogue animation inspired by high-end chronographs. The pillar-to-pillar screen concept blends technology seamlessly into the interior. At the centre, one of the four clocks is shaped like the brand logo, acting as an AI companion.
The luxurious interior features mother-of-pearl look on the facia and on the doors. Other art-deco inspired touches include the polished brass door handles in silver-gold tones. The front bench seat is covered in blue velvet, fostering a sense of joint relaxation and luxury experience. In addition, the vehicle floor is clad in straw marquetry. This decorative technique dates back to the 17th century and was revived in the 1920s.
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